Sheep

Cattle

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) in Cats

The feline immunodeficiency
virus is a feared pathogen for all domestic cat owners. The virus can also
affect cheetahs, lions and other members of the cat family. The disease is
not zoonotic meaning it cannot be transferred to humans, just as HIV in
humans cannot be transferred to cats. It is categorised as lentivirus and is
related to the feline leukaemia virus, although presents many differences.
The virus replicates itself in the T-lymphocytes of the cat and spreads
throughout its lymph nodes. It attacks the catís immune system thus
rendering the animal relatively incapable of protecting itself against other
diseases. The virus is spread via saliva to blood contact and so tom cats
are particularly susceptible to the disease since they are more likely to
roam around to defend their territories by fighting and biting.

Transmission

Transmission occurs if the
virus has access to the blood usually from infected saliva. This is commonly
seen as an infected cat bites a healthy cat. Other contact where this
doesnít happen do not usually spread the infection. A pregnant queen can
pass on the virus as she gives birth though this is very rare.

Infected cats should remain
within the home and prevented from transferring the disease to other cats if
fighting and biting is likely. The virus does not survive for very long away
from the host and most disinfectants should destroy it. Bedding, litter
trays, food bowls, and other contaminated surfaces should be regularly
disinfected taking care that the disinfected isnít ingested by any animals.

Symptoms

As a ďslow virusĒ there may be
no symptoms for as long as a few years. When the symptoms do arise however,
there is sometimes an enlargement of the lymph nodes, fever and a loss of
appetite. Occasionally there will be diarrhoea, weight loss and even
seizures. The animalís coat will lose its condition and stomatitis will be
observed accompanied by gingivitis. Pregnant queens can sometimes experience
abortions.

By weakening the catís immune
system, the virus allows other pathogens to infect and damage the animal.
Simple diseases which may not have previously affected the cat prior to
infection of FIV can then actually lead to death. Reccurring infections can
be a sign that the feline immunodeficiency virus has been contracted.

Treatment and Prevention

There is no cure against FIV
and the only treatment given can be those to deal with secondary infections.
Vaccinations are available but it has been suggested that not all cats
obtain enough protection from the vaccines.

Diagnosis and Prognosis

Blood samples are taken to
identify the presence of certain antibodies by the ELISA test within the
cat. A decreased abundance of white blood cells is also noticed. The
polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test can be used to diagnose FIV.

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